Acacia (likely Short-leaf Acacia / Rain Tree)
Albizia saman (formerly Samanea saman) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, wavy, and irregular grain pattern with prominent cathedral figure shown in the flat-sawn pallet slats; coarse texture with large pores.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden to dark brown with darker streaks; sapwood is thin and yellowish-white. The sample shows significant graying/weathering and oxidation due to outdoor exposure, with moderate luster in the freshly planed-looking areas.
Hardness Rating
600-900 lbf (Soft to Medium); varied depending on specific species.
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; generally resistant to rot and termite attack but susceptible to powder post beetles. Often used for pallets due to its abundance in tropical regions.
Common Uses
Pallets, shipping crates, furniture, carving, bowls, and veneer; famously known as 'monkey pod' for decorative items.
Geographic Origin
Native to Central and South America; widely naturalized in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $12.00 per board foot for kiln-dried furniture grade; industrial pallet grade shown is of negligible value.
Wood Age Estimate
1-3 years old; the wood exhibits surface oxidation, dirt staining, and nail head corrosion/blackening common in used industrial pallets.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and fast-growing.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'ribbon' figure when quarter-sawn; faint scent when freshly cut. Often used for oversized slabs due to the tree's massive canopy size.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane to highlight the high contrast; for pallet wood reuse, light sanding and a clear sealant are recommended after cleaning.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the wood's color contrast, large vessel structure, and common usage in international shipping pallets from Southeast Asia points strongly toward Albizia/Acacia species.